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    <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
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    <atom:link href="https://rip.trb.org/Record/RSS?s=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" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
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    <language>en-us</language>
    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
    <docs>http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss</docs>
    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
    <image>
      <title>Research in Progress (RIP)</title>
      <url>https://rip.trb.org/Images/PageHeader-wTitle-RIP.jpg</url>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/</link>
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    <item>
      <title>The Downstream Infrastructure Impacts of Design Vehicle Selection</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558437</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Selecting a single design vehicle can significantly influence roadway geometry, safety, and user experience. Many roadway designs default to the largest vehicle, under the assumption that this approach will inherently accommodate smaller vehicles and non-motorized users. Yet, larger design vehicles may encourage overbuilt infrastructure, leading to wide lanes, large turning radii, and lengthy pedestrian crossings—conditions that can raise vehicle speeds and reduce pedestrian safety. Conversely, opting for a vehicle that is too small can force larger vehicles to encroach upon adjacent lanes or curbs, increasing maintenance costs and crash risks.

This project investigates how design vehicle choices affect roadway outcomes through two main phases. First, it reviews historical, current, and international practices via archival research, engineering manuals, policy documents, and interviews with practitioners. Second, it uses scenario modeling to measure how different vehicle assumptions alter intersection geometry, pedestrian crossings, and operational performance, as well as to evaluate the resulting safety and cost implications. The research will generate evidence-based guidelines for selecting an appropriate design vehicle, thereby optimizing roadway dimensions while safeguarding multimodal users.

By clarifying the downstream impacts of over- or under-designing for specific vehicles, this study aims to improve safety and functionality, minimize unnecessary infrastructure expenses, and align with broader sustainability and equity goals.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2025 16:11:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2558437</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Anchorage Zone Reinforcement for Post-Tensioned Concrete Girders</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2448854</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Historically, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges did not provide adequate guidance for designing reinforcement for tendon anchorage zones of post-tensioned concrete girders and slabs. Designs had the potential for excessive cracking or congested reinforcing details. Additionally, the wide variation of design practices in use suggested the need for research in this area. The objective of this research was to develop design procedures for end and intermediate anchorage zones for post-tensioned concrete girders and slabs. The project tasks included a review of relevant research findings and practice, the conduct of laboratory tests and analytical studies, and the development of analysis and proportioning criteria for anchorage applications. Recommended specification provisions were prepared. Research on the project was completed in 1992. The research results were published in NCHRP Report 356 and in the unpublished appendices A-C. The recommended specifications represent a comprehensive revision to the existing AASHTO provisions. Detailed procedures are included for predicting first cracking load and ultimate load in post-tensioned concrete girder anchorage zones, and the overall recommendations are based on a limit state approach. A load factor for the maximum post-tensioning load is proposed, as well as a strength-reduction factor for anchorage zone calculations. In addition to these and other design (Division I) provisions, recommendations for construction (Division II) also are presented, including a section on a special anchorage-device acceptance test that replaces Sections 10.3.1.4.3 through 10.3.1.4.5 of the 15th Edition of the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges. The recommended specifications provide for efficient and conservative design, and they were adopted by the AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on B ridges and Structures in 1993.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:55:14 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2448854</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Synthesis of Hydrologic Approaches to Playa Lakes, Areas of Significant Karst Geology, and Arid Regions</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2256325</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Hydrology of karst terrains, playas, and arid zones is complex, and designing transportation infrastructure in these regions is challenging and requires a deep understanding of the unique hydrologic processes in these areas. In absence of consistent, scientifically-based standards for hydrologic design of transportation infrastructures in these regions, designers consider the specific conditions in each region and adopt design measures and management strategies based on their judgment. The research team will develop a summary of the state of knowledge, the state of practice, and approaches and models for flood forecasting and design of drainage structures in these regions. By adopting the outcomes of this project, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) can better understand the hydrological behavior of these regions and make informed decisions toward developing hydrological design guidance and standards of practice for these areas.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Sep 2023 16:36:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2256325</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Performance Testing of GRS Test Piers Constructed with Florida Aggregates - Axial Load Deformation Relationships</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2199641</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objectives of this project are to: 
(1) Perform a background review of the literature and reports (research journals, FHWA reports, NCHRP 24-41, DOT reports from other states, and AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications) on GRS structures and pier tests. This will include test results and conclusions, designs of previous tests (H/L, types and properties of geosynthetics, facing elements), design guidelines in practice (axial capacity, internal capacity, aggregates, etc.), typical aggregates used in Florida, and their geotechnical properties. 
(2) Design 5 full-scale axial load-deformation tests of GRS piers built with the selected and FDOT-approved geosynthetic reinforcements, facing elements and aggregate. 
(3) Construct and test each GRS pier where the axial load applied at the top of the pier is developed using hydraulic jacks and measured using load cells, in conjunction with the vertical and horizontal pier displacement measured using linear displacement transducers. A load reaction frame will be designed for minimal deflection under two times the predicted maximum axial load. 
(4) Include internal instrumentation to measure the profiles of tensile strain distributions in the reinforcements and the vertical and horizontal earth pressures in the aggregate and on the facing blocks. 
(5) Compare the performance (deflection, maximum axial load at specific vertical strain, ultimate axial load, tensile load in reinforcement, horizontal earth pressures, etc.) with current design methods (FHWA) and proposed methods in the research literature (i.e., Zornberg, et al. 2018). 
(6) For all the tests of pier performance with different aggregate, reinforcement, and Sv, identify the axial loads at limiting service vertical and horizontal strains (?v = 0.5% and ?H = 2%, respectively), as recommended by FHWA. 
(7) Based on the findings of the research, make recommendations to the FDOT for predicting axial load capacity and vertical and horizontal deformation based on existing or modified methods or equations that account for aggregate properties, reinforcement strength, and Sv. Also, make recommendations for any future research that may be necessary.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:47:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2199641</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Training Manual for SDDOT’s LRFD Shallow Foundation Design Method</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/2023146</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The SDDOT recently completed research project SD2014-11, which looked at reviewing and refining SDDOT’s current shallow foundation design method. The research proposed changes that would transition to Load Resistance Factor Design methodology, which is has become the state of practice nationally and is consistent with federal guidance for foundation design. To enable SDDOT staff to use the load and resistance factor design  (LRFD) methodology, a training manual that describes and illustrates the method with step- by-step examples is needed.
Objectives include the following: 
(1)	Develop a training manual that guides the transition from current SDDOT shallow foundation design procedures to LRFD shallow foundation design procedures.
(2)	Provide a training session for current SDDOT staff and record it for use by future staff.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2022 10:04:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/2023146</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A Direct Design Method of Hybrid High Strength Steel Web Tapered Members</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1890628</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objectives of the present project are to investigate the ductility and ultimate strength of HSS hybrid web-tapered members subjected to bending and combined bending and axial compression to propose a direct design method based on slenderness. An experimentally verified numerical model will be developed and nonlinear buckling analysis will be conducted. Four (4) different high 
strength steel grades ranging from 690 to 1100 MPA will be employed to study the buckling behavior and rotation capacity of members with various local and overall slenderness ratios. A comprehensive parametric study consists of 450 models will be generated based on the most influential design variables and correlation between the parameters will be presented.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2021 15:05:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1890628</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Develop Countermeasure Strategies for Protecting Bridge Girders Against Overheight Vehicles Impact</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1867130</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently developed an energy-dissipative system prototype using a combination of a steel box beam with aluminum honeycombs for the protection of bridge girders from over-height impacts. This innovative protection device will be effective in preventing damages to concrete and steel beams, while sustaining moderate to severe damage to itself, depending on the intensity of the impact. This project focuses on the full scale testing, field installation and evaluation of the effectiveness of this prototype against over-height truck impacts.
The innovative steel beam/honeycomb protective system is anticipated to dissipate a large portion of the energy from the colliding truck by crushing/deforming the honeycombs. The effectiveness of this device has been investigated recently by large-scale testing in collaboration with the researchers at Hunan University, where over-height impact was simulated through a drop hammer system. With the success of the large-scale testing program, the actual field installation of full scale model is deemed necessary to validate its effectiveness to protect existing bridge structures. In particular, this project aims at the following: (1) Design of the full-scale testing program and selection of bridge site for the field installation; (2) Custom construction and installation of the full-scale model of the prototype attaching to the existing facial girder of the selected structure; and (3) Full scale testing and evaluation of the system with actual over-height truck impact on site.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jul 2021 21:15:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1867130</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>RES2020-25: Development of a New Attenuation Model for West Tennessee</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1717012</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The main objective of this study was to determine seismological parameters in Central and Eastern North America
(CENA), including constraints on the geometrical spreading, anelastic attenuation, stress parameters, and site
attenuation parameters (kappa). To determine the seismological parameters, the recently developed and published
Ground Motion Models (GMMs) for the NGA-East were used. In addition to the main objective, as part of this
study, three new ground-motion models (GMMs) were developed: (1) a new model for vertical to horizontal
response spectral ratios for central and eastern North America; (2) a ground-motion prediction model for smallto-moderate induced earthquakes for central and eastern United States; and (3) a ground motion model for the Gulf
Coast region of the United States, which includes part of West Tennessee. These three GMMs are presented as
supplementary material to this report
We used a genetic algorithm (GA) to invert weighted geometric mean estimates of horizontal response-spectral
acceleration from the empirical NGA-East ground-motion models to successfully estimate a consistent set of
seismological parameters that can be used along with an equivalent point-source stochastic model to mimic the
general scaling characteristics of these ground-motion models. The inversion is performed for events of M 4 – 8.0,
RRUP = 1 to 300 km, T = 0.01 – 10 sec (f = 0.1 – 10 Hz).
This study is the first to perform a formal inversion using the extensive and peer-reviewed CENA GMMs
developed for the NGA-East project and using a formal GA approach. The approach was validated by using
simulated small-to-moderate magnitude and large-magnitude data derived from the NGA-West2 GMMs (Zandieh
et al., 2016, 2018; Pezeshk et al., 2015).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2020 18:12:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1717012</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Development of Structural Design Guide for Ultra High Performance Concrete</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1467626</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) has been recognized as a choice of material for mitigating bridge infrastructure challenges as well as to introduce innovative construction projects. In recent years, the use of UHPC has gained momentum in bridge projects across the country. However, formal structural design guidance for this material does not exist in North America, and therefore a comprehensive effort is required to formulate recommended design guidance so that the application of this material can be broadened.
The objective of this project is to develop a comprehensive guide that can be used for structural design of UHPC.
Using existing literature, design methods and outcomes from ongoing research, this project will develop a comprehensive guide that can be eventually implemented or cited by other standards and codes. The topics to be included in this guide include: 
(1) Introduction; 
(2) Mechanical properties;  
(3) Demand forces and stresses;  
(4) Design methods using sectional analysis;  
(5) Strength design; 
(6) Serviceability design;  
(7) Design for durability; and  
(8) Design of composite construction. 
In addition to providing very high compressive strength, UHPC has noticeable tensile strength. The current codes deal with the design of UHPC members in different manners especially when they are designed with reinforcing steel. This particular issue will be systematically studied and included in the design guidelines.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 May 2017 09:27:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1467626</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Geotechnical Design Manual</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1427336</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The objective of this research project is to create a Geotechnical Design Manual that documents the current processes utilized by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) Section 67, Geotechnical Design Group with explanation, hyperlinks and references to the supporting policy, design methodology, test procedures, and project development, coordination, and management.  The manual will include at least the following topics:  Table of Contents; Project Coordination Process; Consultant Services and Review; Subsurface Investigation Guidelines; Field and Laboratory Testing Procedures; Material Description-Classification-Logging; Geo Mechanics; Geotechnical load factor and resistance design (LFRD) Design; Geotechnical Resistance Factors; Geotechnical Performance Limits; LA Geology Seismicity; Shallow Foundations; Deep Foundations; Embankments; Earth Retaining Structures; Ground Improvement; Geosynthetic Design; Geotechnical Reports; Plan Preparation; Specifications and Special Provisions; Construction quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC); Construction Monitoring and Instrumentation; Geotechnical Software; Geotechnical Design Section Forms; mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) Walls; Reinforced Soil Slopes; Geotechnical Template Plans; and Project Specifications.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2016 12:37:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1427336</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>CCTRP 17-01: Development of a Simplified Design Method and Reinforcement Detail for the Acute Corner of Skewed Bridge Decks</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1422701</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In modern transportation projects, skewed bridges are becoming increasingly more common and their degree of skew perceptibly more severe due to more and more restrictive site constraints, especially in urban infrastructure projects. Despite the advantages of skewed bridges, the structural design and construction of the acute corners of skewed concrete slabs present several challenges due to the congested reinforcement details. This may lead to several problems with placing and compacting concrete. At the acute corners of highly skewed bridge decks, the bars perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bridge are generally too short to be developed, making them structurally ineffective. In addition, the placement of these bars significantly increases the complexity of construction. Often, as the skew angle increases, large portions of the deck can go unreinforced subjecting them to service issues such as spalling and chipping. The presence of the end diaphragm and an integrated concrete parapet may also have a significant impact on the flexural demand of the deck. In addition, the two-way action of the slab may significantly reduce the flexural demand in acute corners. Hence, an optimal design needs to be developed to account for all these effects to simplify the construction and reduce the costs. This study will use detailed finite element simulation to accurately determine the behavior of skewed slabs. A comprehensive parametric study will be performed to understand the effect(s) of the following parameters on flexural moments and concrete stresses at the acute corner of bridge decks: (1) skew angle, (2) overhang length, (3) girder type, and (4) bridge width and length, (5) end diaphragm, and (6) the presence of an integrated barrier. Concerns about the cost-effectiveness and  adequacy of the current reinforcement detail used for acute corners of skewed decks will be addressed in this study. This research will enable the development of an optimized design method and reinforcement detail to reduce the cost and time of construction, while also increasing the safety of the design. The longevity of the bridge deck will also be improved by preventing cracking of concrete deck that is common in skewed bridges.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2016 15:14:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1422701</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Update of the AASHTO LRFD Movable Highway Bridge Design Specifications</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1407093</link>
      <description><![CDATA[
NOTE

Agency's final report documenting the entire research efforts is available online as NCHRP WOD 314: Updating the AASHTO LRFD Movable Highway Bridge Design Specifications. It will be balloted by the AASHTO COBS in June 2022.
 
Of more than 600,000 bridges listed in the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) National Bridge Inventory, close to 1,000 are movable highway bridges. The design and installation of structural, mechanical and electrical systems provide significant challenges for designers, contractors and owners in any movable highway bridge project. The primary design specifications for movable bridge design and construction is the AASHTO LRFD Movable Highway Bridge Design Specifications published in 2000 with 2002 interim revisions. The second edition of the specifications was published in 2007, and the most recent interim revisions were in 2015. Based on the input from movable highway bridge owners, designers and industry representatives, there is an immediate need to incorporate reliability-based design methodology and to reflect advances in electrical, mechanical, and traffic/marine safety systems into the current specifications.
 
The objectives of this research were to (1) develop a reliability-based methodology to design electrical, mechanical, and traffic/marine safety elements and systems for movable highway bridges and (2) propose revisions to the AASHTO LRFD Movable Highway Bridge Design Specifications including all sections.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2016 14:54:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1407093</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>SEISMIC: Development of Improved Procedures for Seismic Design of Earth Retaining Structures on Conventional and Pile Foundations</title>
      <link>https://rip.trb.org/View/1234314</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Existing Caltrans design procedures for retaining walls are force-based. Preliminary studies using LRFD-based design procedures suggest this approach may be overly conservative. In addition, current design method does not provide guidelines for pile-supported walls. Therefore, new analysis and design procedures are needed. These new analysis tools should ideally be displacement-based, and should be validated with existing experimental data sets and carefully planned additional dynamic and cyclic loading experiments. The new design and analysis tools should be readily applicable to Caltrans practice.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:10:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://rip.trb.org/View/1234314</guid>
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